Fresh beginning for 2022 with First Nations Elders

As we prepare for a new academic year on campus in 2022, a smoking ceremony in Kambri yesterday gave us the opportunity to cleanse and start afresh.

First Nations Elders Paul House Girrawah and Aunty Matilda House delivered the smoking ceremony in the Kambri amphitheatre at the heart of the campus.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian P. Schmidt and Aunty Anne Martin, Director of the Tjabal Indigenous Higher Education Centre, attended the event, which prepared the campus for staff and students who will work and study here this year. Most staff will be on campus from next week and orientation week kicks off on 14 February.

Speaking at the ceremony, Brian said the last two years have been very challenging for our community - bushfires, hail, a pandemic.

"We've all tried our best to come to grips with challenging circumstances," he said.

"I have struggled being away from campus. I really missed it - not just the beautiful scenery but my colleagues, our students, having a place to come together and discuss ideas that might just change the world.

Brian said our community needed this smoking ceremony.

"I feel that I need this ceremony. To cleanse us and signify renewal. To acknowledge the struggles and help us start again with eyes cast forward towards a brighter tomorrow," he said.  
 
"And most importantly of all - to help us reconnect with Country. This campus. Our home."